Ignition module

[77snowwheeler]

Was wondering. I have a high performance hei distributor, and the module went out. I replaced it with a regular style module. The truck is running, but doesn’t seem to running peak performance. I thought it might be fuel. I check fuel pressure, it’s good at 6.5psi, good for my build. I adjusted floats primary and secondary, vacuum and timing. Seems to run really good, starting out and hitting the secondaries. But when just cruising, it seems to have a little hesitation? Any ideas if I should of gotten a high performance ignition module? The cap, rotor, and coil seem to be fine.
Thanks

 

[Blue85]

IMO, there's no such thing as an HEI high performance module. AC Delco was always the best and MSD OK, but I don't know how things are today. Accel has always sucked.

Stock HEI is good, and a good fit for stock or mild builds. If you want to do better you'll have to get an external coil or better yet something with spark tables instead of springs, weights and vacuum diaphragm like 1960.

It's possible your coil has a different inductance/resistance so the dwell setting of a stock module isn't a great match.

 

[77snowwheeler]

IMO, there's no such thing as an HEI high performance module. AC Delco was always the best and MSD OK, but I don't know how things are today. Accel has always sucked.

Stock HEI is good, and a good fit for stock or mild builds. If you want to do better you'll have to get an external coil or better yet something with spark tables instead of springs, weights and vacuum diaphragm like 1960.

It's possible your coil has a different inductance/resistance so the dwell setting of a stock module isn't a great match.

Sounds good. Definitely appreciate the feedback. I think I should of went with MSD, or AC Delco? I believe when it gets to cruising, the lower rpm’s and cycle of firing are lining together and that’s why it’s doing what it’s doing. Just like you said with the dwell. Sounds like a confirmation of what I was thinking? Thanks a bunch

 

[Joel Wilson]

Sounds good. Definitely appreciate the feedback. I think I should of went with MSD, or AC Delco? I believe when it gets to cruising, the lower rpm’s and cycle of firing are lining together and that’s why it’s doing what it’s doing. Just like you said with the dwell. Sounds like a confirmation of what I was thinking? Thanks a bunch

Pertronix makes one too. It works way better than the Accel I had. A high performance module and ignition may or may not give you more power but it most definitely helps with cold starts and whatever problems you may have with bad gas. You can get gas at the worst place ever and it won't matter.

I wonder if you didn't partially damage something else when you smoked your module.

GM 4-Pin HEI III Performance Ignition Module with Multi-Spark & Digital Rev Limiter

Features & Benefits Our performance ignition modules are direct replacements for popular GM and Ford electronic distributors. These modules provide enhanced high RPM performance and when used with their corresponding Flame-Thrower coil, substantially increase spark plug voltage. Multiple sparks...

pertronixbrands.com

 

[77snowwheeler]

Pertronix makes one too. It works way better than the Accel I had. A high performance module and ignition may or may not give you more power but it most definitely helps with cold starts and whatever problems you may have with bad gas. You can get gas at the worst place ever and it won't matter.

I wonder if you didn't partially damage something else when you smoked your module.

GM 4-Pin HEI III Performance Ignition Module with Multi-Spark & Digital Rev Limiter

Features & Benefits Our performance ignition modules are direct replacements for popular GM and Ford electronic distributors. These modules provide enhanced high RPM performance and when used with their corresponding Flame-Thrower coil, substantially increase spark plug voltage. Multiple sparks...

pertronixbrands.com

Good point. I may have to look into the coil situation, as well. Thank you so much. Awesome response.

 

[1-ton]

One thing I have found about the GM control module is that they do not have a good ground, which causes them to heat up and burn out. I created a better ground for my control module on my square body, and have had no problems with it for a long time now.

 

[77snowwheeler]

One thing I have found about the GM control module is that they do not have a good ground, which causes them to heat up and burn out. I created a better ground for my control module on my square body, and have had no problems with it for a long time now.

That’s great advice. I’m definitely going to do that. Thanks a bunch.

 

[Joel Wilson]

One thing I have found about the GM control module is that they do not have a good ground, which causes them to heat up and burn out. I created a better ground for my control module on my square body, and have had no problems with it for a long time now.

Did you just run an extra ground wire from the distributor to the firewall? Kinda curious

 

[77snowwheeler]

Did you just run an extra ground wire from the distributor to the firewall? Kinda curious

There’s a ground wire to the top of the coil, to ground. Not sure if it goes to the module. I’ll check tomorrow.